December 7, 2022. ‘Saba’ banana, also known as ‘Cardaba’, is the most versatile among the banana varieties in the Philippines, as it can be used for desserts or savory dishes. Similar to other bananas, saba fruit is rich in potassium which is a vasodilator. Meaning, it can help decrease strain on blood vessels, thereby reducing risks of heart attacks and stroke. Containing high levels of iron, it stimulates oxygen circulation in the body.
While it has many uses in Filipino culture, saba banana also has immense potential in the export market. According to Executive Director Stephen Antig of the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA), other neighboring countries like Thailand saw the export potential of raw saba banana as the demand continually increased.
Acknowledging the potential role of saba banana in the agriculture industry, the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) published a poster on the Philippine National Standards (PNS) Fresh Fruit - Saba & Cardaba Bananas - Specification (PNS/BAFPS 08:2004).
To view or download more information about Banana-related PNS and knowledge products, visit the BAFS website at http://bafs.da.gov.ph. ###